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China Eastern Airlines is considering expanding its flight services from Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu, with the possibility of doubling or even tripling the number of daily flights, according to a report. The airline's plans were discussed during a visit by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin to the company's office in Shanghai last Tuesday. Present at the meeting were Sabah Tourism Minister Josie Lai and representatives from the Sabah Tourism Board.

Jafry expressed his support for the plans, emphasizing that stronger direct air connectivity is essential for Sabah as it prepares for the upcoming Visit Sabah 2027. He added that increased frequencies would provide greater capacity and flexibility for travelers, and that a direct Beijing-Kota Kinabalu route would create another major gateway, further strengthening Sabah's connectivity with China.

In the first eight months of 2026, China Eastern Airlines recorded 578,681 arrivals in Kota Kinabalu, a 21.6% increase compared to the same period last year. During the 2026 peak summer travel period, the airline operated up to three daily Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu services.